Convent of San Daniele

Did you know that Belvedere Marittimo is called ‘’the village of lovers‘’? This delightful town overlooking the Riviera dei Cedri, besides being a popular tourist destination for its splendid coastline, welcomes engaged couples and newlyweds who come to swear eternal love. Yes, because the relics of Saint Valentine, the Saint of lovers, are kept here.

A good excuse to visit the Convent of San Daniele, where the Saint's sacred remains are kept, but which deserves to be known because it is rich in works of art and steeped in faith, history and popular devotion.

The building, which has always been inhabited by Capuchin friars, was built in 1595 in honour of San Daniele Fasanella. The architecture is simple and rigorous and the façade features a portal in yellow tuff surmounted by a round arch on which rests a lunette with a mosaic. 

Entering this cosy and quiet place you will be surprised by the elegance of the finely carved wooden altars in late Baroque style, dating back to the 18th century and dedicated to St. Anthony and St. Daniel. On the high altar you can admire the painting dedicated to the Immaculate Conception made in 1603 by Angelo Molinari. The 17th-century wooden aedicule containing the image of the Crucifix is also suggestive.

In the cloister, where there is a stone sundial, you can admire original Marian frescoes: at the entrance there is an image of the ‘’Our Lady of Mercy‘’, along the west wall, the ‘’Our Lady of Guadalupe‘’ and the Immaculate Conception.

The destination of lovers and devotees is the Porziuncola Chapel, which houses the altar dedicated to St Francis of Assisi, surmounted by an 18th century altarpiece depicting the Saint in adoration of the Virgin. The relics of Bishop St Valentine are kept here.